Urological repair apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A urological repair device includes a stent having a diameter that fits within a portion of a urological structure. The stent also has a length to bridge a distance between a first end of the urological structure and a second end of the urological structure. The stent includes at least one tapered end. The tapered end enables placement of the stent within the urological structure. A method of repairing a urological structure includes placing a first end of a substantially tubular urological structure over a first end of a tubular stent, and placing a second end of a substantially tubular urological structure over a second end of a stent, and attaching the first end of the substantially tubular urological structure, the second end of a substantially tubular urological structure, and the tubular stent to form a fluid passageway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/817,953, filed on 17 Jun. 2010 and which application is incorporatedherein by reference. A claim of priority is made.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to a urological repairapparatus and method.

BACKGROUND

Several urological structures are tubular and may need to be repairedeither to reverse a previous operation or as a result of a trauma injurysuch as an accident. One tubular structure that is increasingly morecommonly repaired is the vas deferens. The repair of the vas deferensreverses a previous vasectomy where the vas deferens is cut. In someinstances a portion of the vas deferens is removed in the performance ofa vasectomy. If the vas deferens was previously cut close to the testesor close to the body, the repair of the vas deferens can be complicated.By the same token, if a substantial length of the vas deferens isremoved, the repair can also be complicated. The testes rise and fall tomaintain a temperature within the testes and if too long a length of thevas deferens is removed, the reattachment of the two ends can interferewith the ability of the body to lower the testicles. Of course there aremany reasons for seeking a reversal of a vasectomy. Such reversals areon the rise in the United States. Currently there are as many as 500,000vasectomies performed each year in the United States and there are asmany as 40,000 reversals performed each year. The reversals are on therise and currently can only be performed in hospitals by physiciansspecializing in urology. As a result, the cost of the reversals isrelatively high.

One tubular structure that can be damaged as a result of a trauma is theureter between the kidney and the bladder. For example, this particularureter can be injured as a result of a car accident. The ureter needs tobe repaired so that the patient can lead a more normal life after anoperation. Problems arise when the ureter is damaged close to the kidneyor close to the bladder. Of course other tubular structures may need tobe reattached or repaired within a human. There also may be needs forsuch procedures in animals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may bederived by referring to the detailed description when considered inconnection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the figures and:

FIG. 1 is a view of a human body and includes the male reproductiveorgans:

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a testicle and vas deferens of the body,which includes a urological repair apparatus, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a urological repair apparatus, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an end of a urological repair apparatus,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the human body that shows the right kidney,the left kidney, and a bladder.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a ureter that includes an embodiment ofthe urological repair apparatus, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for using a urological repairapparatus, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view of a kit that includes at least one urological repairapparatus and a set of instructions for using the urological repairapparatus, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another urological repair apparatus,according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another urological repairapparatus, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another urological repairapparatus, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of another kit that includes at least one urologicalrepair apparatus and a set of instructions for using the urologicalrepair apparatus, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of another method for using a urological repairapparatus, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of yet another method for using a urologicalrepair apparatus, according to an example embodiment.

The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments ofthe invention and such description is not intended to be construed aslimiting in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a view of a human body 100 and includes the male reproductiveorgans 110. Specifically FIG. 1 is a side view of the body 100 thatincludes a testicle 112. The testicle is attached to the vas deferens122. Common procedure of birth control for males includes a vasectomy.Vasectomy includes clipping the vas deferens and either tying off thetwo ends formed or cauterizing the two ends formed. The vas deforms 122is the duct or tubular element that carries the sperm from the testiclesto the reproductive area. By clipping the vas deferens 122 and tying offthe two ends or cauterizing, the two ends, the male is unable to producesperm to fertilize an egg of a female. As mentioned in the background,in many instances a male may decide to reverse a vasectomy.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a testicle 120 as housed in the body 100.As shown in FIG. 2 the vas deferens 122 has a first section 123 and asecond section 124 which are joined by a urological repair apparatus200, according to an example embodiment. The urological repair apparatus200 includes a tubular portion having a diameter substantially equal tothe diameter of the vas deferens 122. In some embodiments, the diameteris substantially constant while in other embodiments, the diameter isvariable. The urological repair element or apparatus 200 has a first endwhich receives the end of one section 123 of the vas deferens 122 andhas another end which receives the end of the vas deferens section 124.The urological repair apparatus 200 is hollow or is essentially tubularin structure. The urological repair apparatus 200 is made of abiocompatible material suitable for the application shown in FIG. 2. Forexample, the tubular apparatus may be made from a biocompatible materialsuch as polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)which is known commercially as Teflon.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the urological repair apparatus 200 according toan example embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view of an end 230 of theurological repair apparatus 200, according to an example embodiment. Nowreferring to both FIGS. 3 and 4, the urological repair apparatus 200will be further detailed. Urological apparatus 200 includes a main body210, a first end 220, and a second end 230. Each of the ends 220, 230are similar and therefore, for the sake of clarity, only one of the endswill be described. The main body 210 is a tubular structure. The tubularstructure has an inside diameter “d” which may vary depending upon theapplication used for the urological repair apparatus 200. The ends 220,230 may be tapered from the outside diameter toward the inside diameterof the tubular element. Also included on the tapered portions are aseries of annular barbs such as 231, 232, 233. In the embodiment shown,the barbs 231, 232, 233 are not designed to pierce or otherwisepenetrate the ends of the vas deferens. The barbs 231, 232, 233, havediameters that become successively larger. The barbs 231, 232, 233 arerounded and facilitate the attachment of tubular body elements, such asthe vas deferens 122, to the end 230 of the urological repair apparatus200. In other words the specific diameter “D” of the main body 210 ofthe urological repair apparatus 200 will generally be oversized withrespect to the inner diameter of the natural tubular portion, such asthe vas deferens. The urological repair apparatus 200 fits into the vasdeferens.

The successively larger annual barbs 231, 232, 233 will stretch thenatural structure but do not damage the natural structure. The amount ofstretch will provide a friction type of fit between the naturalstructure, such as the vas deferens 122, and the end 230 of theurological repair apparatus 200. Although, as shown, the barbs presentno sharp edges for damaging the natural structure, in some embodiments asharp barb or different type of barb may be employed on the end 230 ofthe urological repair apparatus 200. It should be noted that as shown inFIG. 3, the end 220 and the end 230 of the urological repair apparatus200 are substantially the same. As a result it is not necessary to alsodescribe the end 220. However, in other embodiments, two different sizesof ends may be employed. In addition, the body need not have a constantdiameter. In some embodiments, the diameter varies over the length ofthe urological repair apparatus 200.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the human body that shows the right kidney 180the left kidney 182 and a bladder 184. Also shown in FIG. 5 are a ureter190 which attaches the first kidney 180 to the bladder 184 and a secondureter 192 that connects the kidney 182 to the bladder 184. The uretersbasically are natural tubular structures that drain the fluids from thekidney 180 and the kidney 182 into the bladder 184. As mentioned above,the ureters 190, 192 may be damaged and may be in need of repair.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of kidney 180 and the bladder 184 whichincludes a ureter 190 that has been repaired using a urological repairapparatus 600. It should be noted that the urological repair apparatus600 is substantially the same as the urological repair apparatus 200.However the size of the structure will be different for the differentapplication. In other words, the ureter repair apparatus 600 will belonger than the urological repair apparatus 200 in many applications.The ureter repair apparatus may also have other dimensions that differfrom the dimensions associated with the urological repair apparatus 200.However the elements of the urological repair apparatus 600 will besubstantially the same as the urological repair apparatus 200. One ofthe differences is that the end features, such as on ends 220 and 230will be scaled up to form an end 620 and an end 630. In addition thediameter or inner diameter “d” and the outer diameter “D” (not shown inFIG. 6) will also be scaled up in the larger sized urological repairapparatus 600. The ureter 190 is generally a larger natural tubularstructure than the vas deferens. The ends 620, 630 of the urologicalrepair apparatus 600 will also include a barbed structure such as thatdescribed with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. The urological repair apparatus600 will be made of a biocompatible material. However, the urologicalrepair apparatus 600 must be able to transport acidic material or acidicfluids in the application where it is placed into the ureter. As aresult, the material of the urological repair apparatus must be bothbiocompatible with the human body as well as able to transport an acidicfluid without deteriorating prematurely. The material must also beapproved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Biocompatible materials such as PEEK and Teflon are two biocompatiblematerials that meet these criteria.

It should also be noted that for each application, such as theurological repair apparatus 200 for the repair of the vas deferens, andfor the urological repair apparatus 600 for repair of the ureter, it maybe necessary to have different lengths for the main bodies of these tworespective devices. The different lengths accommodate different sizedhuman beings as well as different lengths of natural material that mustbe replaced. The amount of natural material that may have been removedin a surgical procedure depends on the damage suffered in an accident.In other words, the main body 210 of the urological repair apparatus 200may come in several lengths. Similarly the main body 610 of theurological repair apparatus 600 may also come in several lengths.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for using a urological repairapparatus, according to an example embodiment. The method includeslocating a first free end of a tubular structure 710, and preparing thefirst end of the tubular structure 712. Preparing the end of the tubularstructure 712 may include removing a portion of the tubular structure.For example, when a ureter is damaged or severed, a portion of the freeend may have to be removed so that the free end is smooth andessentially free of defects. When reversing a vasectomy, preparing theend of the tubular structure 712 may include removing a previouslycauterized end or previously knotted end of the vas deferens. The method700 also includes placing the first free end onto a first end of theurological repair apparatus 714. The method 700 also includes locating asecond free end of a tubular structure 716, preparing the second end ofthe tubular structure 718, and placing the second free end onto a secondend of the urological repair apparatus 720. In some embodiments, thefirst end of the tubular structure may have to be clamped to theurological repair apparatus 722 and the second end of the tubularstructure may have to be clamped to the urological repair apparatus 724.

FIG. 8 is a view of the kit 800 that includes at least one urologicalrepair apparatus 200, 600 and a set of instruction for using theurological repair apparatus 200, 600 according to an example embodiment.The kit 800 will typically be put together for a particular urologicalrepair. Therefore for the sake of simplicity, a kit 800 for thatincludes a urological repair apparatus 200 for reversing a vasectomywill be discussed by way of an example. It should be noted that similarkit may be put together for repairing ureters. The kit 800 can include anumber of urological repair apparatuses 200, 200. Typically the kit 800will include at least one urological repair apparatus 200 having adesired length. In some kits, however, a plurality of urological repairapparatuses 200, 200 of varying lengths can be included so that as arepair is being made, one of several lengths of urological repairapparatuses 200, 200 can be selected. Also included in the kit is a setof instructions 810. The instructions can include written instructionsabout the procedure and how to use the urological repair kit. Theinstructions 810 in some embodiments may include a compact disc or DVDthat will show actual motion pictures or still pictures of theprocedure. In addition, the kit 800 can include a set of biocompatibleclamps 820. The biocompatible clamps 820 will include an opening thereinso that the natural tubular structure that is being repaired can beclamped to the urological repair apparatus 200. It is contemplated thatin many instances a clamp from the set of clamps 820 may not be neededsince the barbed ends of the urological repair apparatus will hold thenatural tubular structure in place with respect to the end of theurological repair apparatus. However, a set of clamps 820 is included asfurther assurance to prevent slippage or a disconnect between thetubular repair apparatus 200 and of the natural structure such as thevas deferens, that is being attached to the tubular repair apparatus. Itshould be noted that the clamps are made of a biocompatible material andthat there may be more clamps included than are actually needed toperform the urological repair in the event that one clamp should be lostor dropped or the like.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another urological repair apparatus,according to another example embodiment. The urological repair apparatus900 includes a tubular body 910 having an inside diameter ofapproximately 0.022″. The tubular body includes a wall having a wallthickness of 0.005″. The outer diameter of the tubular body 910 is0.032″. The tubular body includes a first overmolded tip 920 and asecond overmolded tip 922. The overmolded tips 920, 922 are located atthe ends of the tubular body 910. The overmolded tip is approximately0.1000″ long and has an outside diameter of 0.050″ which tapers down tothe inside diameter of 0.022″ over the 0.1000″ length of the body tip920, 922. The flare dimension is less than 45 degrees over the length ofthe tip 920, 922. In some embodiments, the angle is can be as small as15 degrees. Generally, the flare dimension is in the range of 10-45degrees. The tips 920, 922 are placed within the urological structure.The overmolded tips 920, 922 hold the ends of the urological structure(such as the vans deferens) in place. The overall length can be anylength. As shown, the length of the body 910 of the tubular structure isabout 0.800″.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another urological repair apparatus1000, according to yet another example embodiment. The urological repairapparatus 1000 has an outside diameter that allows it to fit within aurological structure. The urological structure can be a vas deferens inone instance. The outer diameter, 1010 would be in the range of 0.0300″to about 0.0500″. This relatively small outer diameter would fit withinthe vas deferens. A urological repair apparatus 1000 having a largerinner diameter would be used to repair the ureter. The urologicalapparatus 1000 also includes a first beveled end 1020 and a secondbeveled end 1022. The beveled ends 1020, 1022 include an angle thatallows the urological structure to be easily placed thereon. The angleis set so that the beveled end 1020, 1022 will not pierce the urologicalstructure and yet will still ease the threading of the urologicalstructure over the beveled end 1020, 1022. One cut end of the urologicalstructure is placed over one beveled end 1020, and another cut end ofthe urological structure is placed over the other beveled end 1022. Thecut ends of the urological structure can then be sewn together. Theurological repair apparatus 1000 serves as a backstop in the event thesurgeon sews the two ends of the urological structure (such as the vasdeferens or ureter) together. It should be noted that in someembodiments, the surgeon can sew the ends and in some embodiments, asurgeon can place the ends over the tips of the urological repairapparatus 1000. In still other embodiments, the surface of theurological repair apparatus 1000 near the beveled ends 1020, 1022 isprovided with a roughened or friction surface to enable the urologicalstructure, such as the vas deferens, to stay in place if the urologicalrepair apparatus is placed into the urological structure. The urologicalrepair apparatus 1000 is formed of a biocompatible material. In oneembodiment, the biocompatible material also breaks down in the body overtime. In some embodiments, the urological repair apparatus may be coatedor impregnated with a protein drip that promotes tissue growth.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another urological repairapparatus 1100, according to another example embodiment. The urologicalrepair apparatus 1100 has an outside diameter that allows it to fitwithin a urological structure. The urological structure can be a vasdeferens in one instance. The outer diameter, 1110 would be in the rangeof 0.0300″ to about 0.0500″. This relatively small outer diameter wouldfit within the vas deferens. A urological repair apparatus 1100 having alarger inner diameter would be used to repair the ureter. The urologicalapparatus 1000 also includes a first beveled end 1120 and a secondbeveled end 1122. The beveled ends 1020, 1022 include an angle thatallows the urological structure to be easily placed thereon. The angleis set so that the beveled end 1120, 1122 will not pierce the urologicalstructure and yet will still ease the threading of the urologicalstructure over the beveled end 1120, 1122. The main difference betweenthe urological repair apparatus 1100 and the urological repair apparatus1000 is that the former has a shorter length. One cut end of theurological structure is placed over one beveled end 1120, and anothercut end of the urological structure is placed over the other beveled end1122. The cut ends of the urological structure can then be sewntogether. The urological repair apparatus 1100 serves as a backstop asthe surgeon sews the two ends of the urological structure (such as thevas deferens or ureter) together. The urological repair apparatus 1100is formed of a biocompatible material. In one embodiment, thebiocompatible material also breaks down in the body over time. In someembodiments, the urological repair apparatus may be coated orimpregnated with a protein drip that promotes tissue growth.

FIG. 12 is a view of another kit 1200 that includes at least oneurological repair apparatus and a set of instructions for using theurological repair apparatus, according to an example embodiment. The kit1200 will typically include the necessary elements needed for aparticular urological repair. Therefore for the sake of simplicity, akit 1200 for that includes a urological repair apparatus 1100 forreversing a vasectomy will be discussed by way of an example. It shouldbe noted that similar kit may be put together for repairing ureters. Thekit 1200 can include a number of urological repair apparatuses 1100,1000, 900, 200. Typically the kit 1200 will include at least oneurological repair apparatus 1100 having a desired length. In some kits,however, a plurality of urological repair apparatuses 1000, 1100 ofvarying lengths can be included so that as a repair is being made, oneof several lengths of urological repair apparatuses 1000, 1100 can beselected. Also included in the kit is a set of instructions 1210. Theinstructions can include written instructions about the procedure andhow to use the urological repair kit. The instructions 1210 in someembodiments may include a compact disc or DVD that will show actualmotion pictures or still pictures of the procedure. In addition, the kit1200 can include a suture setup 1220 for sewing the ends of theurological structure, such as the vas deferens together. The kit 1200can also include a protein that can be placed on the selected urologicalrepair apparatus. It is contemplated that the kit can also include avial of protein drip 1230. It is further contemplated, that the proteindrip 1230 may not be needed since the urological repair apparatus ismade of a biocompatible material and the ends of the urologicalstructure will heal together without the protein drip 1230. It should benoted that there may be more materials in a kit than are actually neededto perform the urological repair. This provides the surgeon with optionssome of which may merely be a personal preference in performing aprocedure.

A urological repair device includes a stent having a diameter that fitswithin a portion of a urological structure. In some embodiments, thestent also has a length to bridge a distance between a first end of theurological structure and a second end of the urological structure. Thestent includes at least one tapered end. The tapered end enablesplacement of the stent within the urological structure. In oneembodiment, the stent includes a first tapered end and a second taperedend. In one embodiment, the stent has an outside diameter sized to fitwithin a portion of a human ureter. In another embodiment, the stent hasan outside diameter sized to fit within a portion of a human vasdeferens. In another embodiment, the first tapered end and the secondtapered end include a barb to hold a first portion of a ureter to thefirst tapered end of the stent and a second portion of the ureter to thesecond tapered end of the stent. In still another embodiment, thetapered end includes at least one bevel. A tapered end enables placementof the stent within the urological structure. The bevels may havespecific angles. For example, the stent includes a first beveled end,and a second beveled end, and the angle of the bevel with respect to acenterline of the stent enables the placement of at least a portion ofthe stent into the vas deferens. The stent is made of a biocompatiblematerial. In some embodiments, the stent is made of a bioresorbablematerial. The urological repair device can also include a liquid proteinmaterial for adding to the surface of the stent. The urological repairdevice also can include a length of suture material, and a sterileneedle.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of another method 1300 for using a urologicalrepair apparatus, according to an example embodiment. The method 1300for reattaching two portions of the vas deferens includes placing afirst portion of a previously cut vas deferens over a first end of astent 1310, placing a second portion of a previously cut vas deferensover a second end of a stent 1312, and attaching the first portion ofthe vas deferens to the second portion of the vas deferens 1314. Thestent is sized to fit within the vas deferens. In one embodiment,attaching the first portion of the vas deferens to the second portion ofthe vas deferens 1314 includes sewing the first portion of the vasdeferens to the second portion of the vas deferens. The two portions ofthe vas deferens are brought together over the stent. The stent servesas a backing material while the two portions of the vas deferens arestitched together. Scar tissue, if it should form, will form on theoutside of the repaired vas deferens. Without the stent, there is apossibility that scar tissue can grow toward the inner portion of thevas deferens resulting in scar tissue partially blocking or totallyblocking fluid flow through the vas deferens. In another embodiment, thetwo portions of the vas deferens are attached 1314 by adhering the firstportion of the vas deferens to the second portion of the vas deferens.The method may also include treating the stent with a protein material1316. The protein material enhances the growth of the vas deferens. Inone embodiment, the protein material is a liquid protein solution. Thesurface of the stent, and more particularly, the outside surface of thestent, are treated with the liquid protein solution. The method forreattaching two portions of the vas deferens of can also includeproducing a beveled end on the first end of the stent 1306, andproducing a beveled end on the second end of the stent 1308. Producing abeveled end on the first end of the stent 1306 includes forming a bevelhaving an angle with respect to the length of the stent that easesplacement of the first end of the stent into the first portion of thevas deferens. Similarly, producing a beveled end on the second end ofthe stent 1308 includes forming a bevel having an angle with respect tothe length of the stent that eases placement of the second end of thestent into the second portion of the vas deferens. In some embodiments,the stent used in the method is made of a bioresorbable material thatreabsorbs into the body over time.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of yet another method 1400 for using aurological repair apparatus, according to an example embodiment. Themethod 1400 of repairing a urological structure includes placing a firstend of a substantially tubular urological structure over a first end ofa tubular stent 1410, and placing a second end of a substantiallytubular urological structure over a second end of a stent 1412, andattaching the first end of the substantially tubular urologicalstructure, the second end of a substantially tubular urologicalstructure, and the tubular stent to form a fluid passageway 1414. In oneembodiment, the first end of a substantially tubular urologicalstructure is attached to the first end of a tubular stent, and thesecond end of the substantially tubular urological structure is attachedto the second end of the tubular stent. The method also includestreating the stent with a protein 1416. Also disclosed is a product forrepairing the urological structure that uses the methods describedabove.

Medical technology now allows use of stem cells to grow new bladders.There is evidence that other urological structures may be grown fromstem cells or by using other technologies in the future. As a result, anadditional procedure that is contemplated includes placing a stent orurological repair apparatus within a baby or child so that they are morelikely to be able to receive donor organs or grown organs. For example,in some young children or young babies, the testicles may have to beremoved. The seminal vesicle is generally cut and cauterized. When thechild grows up, he is no longer capable of having a baby. The procedurewould be to place one end of a urological repair apparatus into theseminal vesicle. This would keep the cut end in sufficient shape so thatit could be used and reattached many years later when a new organ couldbe grown or a donor organ would be available.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveals thegeneral nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, byapplying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications without departing from the concept, and therefore suchadaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within themeaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit andbroad scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of reattaching two portions of thevas deferens, the method comprising: placing a first portion of apreviously cut vas deferens over a first tapered end of a stent, thestent sized to fit within the vas deferens and the first tapered endhaving a plurality of barbs on the first tapered end, the taperextending from a position between the first tapered end and a secondtapered end substantially to the first tapered end; placing a secondportion of a previously cut vas deferens over the second tapered end ofthe stent and having at least one barb proximate the second tapered end,the taper extending from a position between the first tapered end andthe second tapered end substantially to the second tapered end; andattaching the first portion of the vas deferens to the second portion ofthe vas deferens.
 2. The method of reattaching two portions of the vasdeferens of claim 1 wherein attaching the first portion of the vasdeferens to the second portion of the vas deferens includes sewing thefirst portion of the vas deferens to the second portion of the vasdeferens, the stent serving as a backstop to a sewing apparatus.
 3. Themethod of reattaching two portions of the vas deferens of claim 1wherein attaching the first portion of the vas deferens to the secondportion of the vas deferens includes adhering the first portion of thevas deferens to the second portion of the vas deferens.
 4. The method ofreattaching two portions of the vas deferens of claim 1 furthercomprising treating the stent with a protein material.
 5. The method ofreattaching two portions of the vas deferens of claim 1 furthercomprising treating the stent with a liquid protein solution.
 6. Themethod of reattaching two portions of the vas deferens of claim 1wherein placing a second portion of a previously cut vas deferens over asecond end of a stent includes the second end being tapered andincluding a plurality of barbs on the second tapered end.
 7. The methodof reattaching two portions of the vas deferens of claim 1 wherein thestent used is comprised of a bioresorbable material that reabsorbs intothe body over time.
 8. A method of reattaching two portions of aurological structure, the method comprising: placing a first portion ofa previously cut urological structure over a first tapered end of astent, the stent sized to fit within the urological structure and thefirst tapered end having a plurality of barbs on the first tapered end,the taper extending from a position between the first tapered end and asecond tapered end substantially to the first tapered end; placing asecond portion of a previously cut urological structure over the secondtapered end of the stent and having at least one barb proximate thesecond tapered end, the taper extending from a position between thefirst tapered end and the second tapered end substantially to the secondtapered end; and attaching the first portion of the urological structureto the second portion of the urological structure.
 9. The method ofreattaching two portions of the urological structure of claim 8 whereinattaching the first portion of the urological structure to the secondportion of the urological structure includes sewing the first portion ofthe urological structure to the second portion of the urologicalstructure, the stent serving as a backstop to a sewing apparatus. 10.The method of reattaching two portions of the urological structure ofclaim 8 wherein attaching the first portion of the urological structureto the second portion of the urological structure includes adhering thefirst portion of the urological structure to the second portion of theurological structure.
 11. The method of reattaching two portions of theurological structure of claim 8 further comprising treating the stentwith a protein material.
 12. The method of reattaching two portions ofthe urological structure of claim 8 further comprising treating thestent with a liquid protein solution.
 13. The method of reattaching twoportions of the urological structure of claim 8 wherein placing a secondportion of a previously cut urological structure over a second end of astent includes the second end being tapered and including a plurality ofbarbs on the second tapered end.
 14. The method of reattaching twoportions of the urological structure of claim 8 wherein the stent usedis comprised of a bioresorbable material that reabsorbs into the bodyover time.